Glass & Crystal: Being clear about Italy’s most precious arts

Murano glass - famously made into exquisite ornaments, glasses and artworks on the 'glass island' just off Venice's mainland. (Photo by Sailko)

Not always the most luggage-friendly things to buy in Italy, these special made-in-Italy items are definitely worth checking out. If you can’t squeeze in one of the glorious chandeliers, maybe you could splurge on a cute pair of earrings or some wine glasses instead…

MURANO: The Glass Island, Venice

The history of glassmaking in Venice dates back centuries. The locals learnt the hard way that this great artisan work can be quite dangerous owing to the use of extreme heat to turn sand into glass. After many fires in Venice, the locals banished the glassmakers to the tiny nearby island of Murano, where they have stayed ever since.

In fact, at one point in history, the glassmakers were not allowed to leave the island to ensure that they could not share the secrets of their valued trade with others.

Over time, the Venician glassblowers became so esteemed by Venice that they were given immunity from being arrested, and were privy to many of the privileges of society reserved for the upper-classes.

Nowadays, it is easy to get from Venice’s mainland to the Murano island. Many of the glass-making factories on the island offer transfers, and there are public transport boats and water-taxis.

On the island, each Venice glass manufacturer offers demonstrations by masters who twist the molasses-like silica into a range of gorgeous ornaments, sculptures, glasses and figurines.

The glass pieces made range from small and colourful beads through to impossibly impressive chandeliers, to highly-prized sculptures. Glasses, plates and platters, ornate lamps, and more objects than you could poke a stick at line the shelves and cover the floors of the factory showrooms.

Light glimmers off the facets cut into the glass, off the fine curved edges of the sculptures, in a brilliant flitter of light, proving that in Murano, all that glitters is not gold – it’s glass.

COLLE VAL d’ELSA: Crystal Mountains, Tuscany

In a little-known town in the heart of Tuscany, lies an area which produces 15% of the world’s entire crystal. In Colle Val d’Elsa, crystal has been made since 14th century.

In 2001, a museum dedicated to Tuscany’s greatest crystal was opened on Via dei Fossi in Colle Val d’Elsa.

Visit the stunning Tuscany countryside and immerse yourself in the Tuscan culture on our small-group Best of Tuscany tour visiting Siena, San Gimignano and Monteriggioni too, as well as stopping for lunch and wine tasting at an award-winning wine estate. See the highlights of Tuscany in one spectacular day tour from Florence – Best of Tuscany small-group tour.

To see the sites of Venice with a great tour guide, we have 4 great Venice tours added into one unique Venice tours discount package.

In the Uffizi Gallery, you can see some of the most precious artworks in the world, as painted by some of the greatest artists in history. The Uffizi Gallery houses what is arguably one of the finest collections of Renaissance art. Michelangelo’s David rather is unclad but definitely beautiful and well-worth visiting!

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We at ArtViva love sharing the beauty of life in the Bel Paese, from Italian art, history and culture to the wonderful food and wine and everything in between! Live the experience along with us through our articles and informative posts, and be sure to check out our outstanding small-group tours and experiences in Florence, Venice, Rome, Cinque Terre and beyond.

Dear Italyartviva,
I was wondering on a similar note,, My young ones bought a rose quartz crystal necklace and a substantial crystal clear/white crystal from a specialty store. Their good friends are insisting the crystals are not “serious.” I have heard some outlets offer glass beneath the guise of remaining actual crystals, but how do you tell?
Great Job!

There are a few ways to test if you have crystal or cut glass. Start by holding the item up to light. Crystal is either perfectly clear or white and will diffract light. Glass rather will have a slight colouring of green, yellow or grey and does not diffract. Crystal is also heavier than glass, and if you tap crystal, it will ‘hum’ whilst glass will not.

If you’re still unsure, you could take the item to another dealer and ask their expert opinion.